Button: I think of Abu Dhabi GP as my last race

Jenson Button is viewing this weekend's Abu Dhabi Grand Prix as his "last race", despite retaining the option to return to Formula One in 2018.

McLaren announced in September that Button had agreed a new two-year deal that would see the Briton "focusing on team and car development", while being replaced by Stoffel Vandoorne in the team's driver line-up for 2017.

At the time, Button expressed his desire to return to the grid in future, insisting he was not retiring.

However, the former world champion's views appeared to have changed when he addressed reporters at the drivers' news conference ahead of Sunday's season-ending race.

"I go into this weekend thinking it's going to be my last race," said Button.

"I think that's the best way to be. At this moment in time I don't want to be racing in Formula One past this race.

"I think of this as my last race and hopefully everyone else does as well."

Button acknowledged he could harbour a desire to race again in future, adding: "The whole idea about having a contract was that in three months' time when I've eaten myself stupid and thinking of things in the future - maybe I'll feel I need Formula One back in my life.

"But at this moment in time that isn't the case, so this is my last race. That's how I think about it at the moment. But who knows? That could change in six months, eight months, one year."